Research seminar

From yesterday afternoon until today at dinner, the Department of Youth Pastoral and Catechetics at the UPS sponsored a research seminar for the reformulation of the department. I was invited by the department coordinator, Prof. Cyril de Souza, and was glad to take part.

It seems that the rethinking of this department is a response to an invitation launched by the Salesian rector major Pascual Chávez. Over a year ago he made this invitation, but asked the leaders of the department to wait until after the 26th General Chapter of the Salesian Society was terminated (Spring 2008).

The seminar was held in the Viganò conference room of the UPS library. Forty-five took part in the gathering, including the provincial superior, Joaquim D'Souza, and two from the general council: Fabio Attard, councilor for youth pastoral, and Francesco Cereda, councilor for formation. In addition, invitations were extended to prof. don Andrea Bozzolo, president of the theology school of Torino-Crocetta, and to prof. Giuseppe Ruta, representative from Messina. The other 40 participants are all professors of the UPS.

What is the purpose of the seminar? To review the work of the last 29 years, and then to find areas that need to be deepened and introduced. Rather than an improvement of the department, the intent of the rector major, as explained to the group by don Mario Toso, rector magnifico of the university, is to totally re-structure and re-create the department of Youth Pastoral. Don Pascual Chávez wants the department to have a greater role in helping the Salesian Society and the Salesian Family to relaunch with Don Bosco for youth in these new times. This is not to dismiss what has been done in the past (as not a few of those present at the seminar were feeling) but to recognize that a generation has passed. There are new needs and new challenges that were never contemplated way back in 1979, when the department was first organizing.

The seminar started yesterday afternoon (Friday) with the presentation of four papers by theologians and educators who are members of the Department. The purpose of each paper was to present a way of reading youth-ministry education today. José Luis Moral presented the first paper: An epistemological key to reading the youth pastoral-catechetical curriculum today. This was followed by a paper written by Carlo Nanni and read by Guglielmo Malizia: An educational key. Cesare Bissoli presented An formative key. Anthony Francis Vincent presented the final paper: A theological-pastoral-practical key.

A short clarification period followed each presentation… well it should have been short! Then, at the end of the evening, there was the presentation of the paper prepared by the rector major and university chancellor, don Pascual Chávez. His address was read by don Francesco Cereda, since there was a calendar conflict and the Rector Major had to be in Spain this weekend.

Following the Rector Major's address, there were questions and reflections from the group -- and this became quite animated on Friday night. All day Saturday worked as an attempt to process the address.

At this point I should give the contents of the Rector Major's address and the main points of the four who offered "keys" for reading Youth Pastoral and Catechetical Studies today… but there is no time now. I'll save it for a future date. This is very interesting on many levels, however, and I think it is important that it be stated.